Originally Posted by zski1

All -

I think my question is so narrow that I may just have to bite the bullet and email customer service, but here goes (or maybe jrhone will see this and provide the typical awesome answer....I can dream):

Short Story: Does AA have any policy regarding refunding tickets or allowing changes if a military deployment is extended and the deployment extension dates overlap a previously purchased trip?

Long Story: I am currently deployed. I am scheduled to get back to the US on or about Oct 1. I am registered to run a race in DC on Oct 5.

Naturally, I would like to reserve & buy my plane tickets soon, to take advantage of current low prices. However, there is always the possibility that my deployment could be extended days or weeks or even longer. I was planning on reserving ATL-DCA Oct 3-Oct 6.

The way I see my options:

1) Buy cheap tickets now and hope I'm back in time to use them. I would only be out about $350 if I have to cancel them and there's no refund policy.

2) Buy tickets later (when will have better, but not perfect knowledge of the possibility for an extension). Ticket prices might be higher, but I would be more certain that I would actually be able to use them.

3) Wait until I get home and pay $$$$$ for essentially a walk-up ticket, but avoid the risk of not being able to use non-refundable tickets.

Thanks for any input.

-z